Dharma School

Dharma School

The Providence Zen Center offers classes for children ages 4-12 and their families in meditation, mindfulness and the Buddhist Tradition. Classes are held on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 10-11:15AM

Dharma School’s History and Mission:

The Providence Zen Center launched Dharma School in December 2010 and continues to offer classes the second and fourth Sundays of each month at 10am. The mission of the PZC Dharma School is to provide sangha members and other interested parents the opportunity to involve their children in Buddhist education and meditation practice. Dharma School’s goal is to introduce children to our Buddhist tradition, while emphasizing creativity, play, and togetherness. It is our hope that the Dharma School will help create an atmosphere in which families feel welcome to bring their children to the Zen Center for exposure to the dharma and meditation practice.

The program is open to any child, age 4 to 12, interested in exploring the dharma. Older children and teenagers are always welcome to attend dharma talks or sittings in the main dharma room. If older children have an interest in mentoring younger students, they are invited to assist in Dharma School classes. Parents are welcome to contact the school to determine the best fit for their child.

Class Content & Structure:

Each Dharma School class is centered on a Buddhist theme or teaching, many of which are taken from sources such as the Buddha’s life, the Jataka Tales, the Four Noble Truths, and the Precepts and Paramitas. Every class is typically comprised of three major learning components: education about the Buddhist tradition, exploration of an ethical theme, and practice of mindfulness and meditation. These three components are explored through stories, crafts, movement, meditation, activities, and games.

For Parents:

Parents are always invited to accompany their children in the classroom, and parent involvement helps create a more lively and dynamic atmosphere. However, if your child wishes to attend alone, Dharma School is held either during the dharma talks (2nd Sundays) or long sittings (4th Sundays) in the main dharma room at 10am. Parents are invited to attend the talks or sittings while their child is in Dharma School. For parents who would like instruction on meditation practice, there is a meditation instruction class held prior to Dharma School at 9am. If you are interested in attending that session, then please contact the Dharma School at the email address below and childcare can be arranged for the 9am – 10am hour.